FOREST KITCHEN with Outdoor Living

Quite the Swanky Buffet

This isn't a place I would have found on my own nor likely a place my husband would have taken me to, so I have a former student to thank for the tip and the experience of partaking in this very nice (though a bit expensive) feast. First off, this place requires reservations, and this is important because the buffet section opens at noon and people are not required to leave until 3PM when the buffet ends. That means dining space is at a premium and not guaranteed unless you call ahead. In addition, this is not simple all-you-can-eat affair. Each guest is expected to order one of the listed entrees, each priced around 2800 yen. I am not sure if the buffet comes at an additonal cost, but I wouldn't be surprised as it is a really nice one, with small personal pizzas, a variety of prepared meats and sauces, soup, rice dishes, a salad bar with several kinds of vegetables and quinoa (which they cannot spell) in addition to the drink selection that includes decent coffee, fruit juices, a great section of teas (they've got Pukka!), and even a couple of smoothie options. There's not a lot of intelligible English (many signs confuse sauce with "source") but there doesn't need to be. Most of it is easy enough to understand. Probably worth the money but only if you have a little extra to spend. Also, the setting and atmosphere is lovely. You can find this place on the new side of Sendai station inside of the Hotel Metropolitan East entrance. It's a bit tricky to get into but not impossible.